Frederick Charles Wagaman, Jr., 81

September 27, 2023

Frederick Charles Wagaman, Jr., 81 of Lancaster, died Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Penn State Lancaster Health Center following a brief illness. He was born February 27, 1942, the son of the late Frederick Charles Wagaman, Sr. and the late Angela Anna (Breighner).

Fred is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janice (Hakes) Wagaman whom he married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lancaster. He is also survived by 4 children from previous marriages: Frederick Charles, III (husband of Jennie), Andrea M. Weaver (wife of Kurt), Matthew P. (husband of Michelle), and M. Alison Wioskowski (wife of Jason) as well as 10 grandchildren: Samantha Charles (wife of Brian), Ashley Orr (wife of Chris), Benjamin Weaver (husband of Kristen), Piper Willow (wife of Hannah), Matthew C. Wagaman, Emily Weaver, Lynzie Wagaman, Jordan Wagaman, Emma Wioskowski, and Jakob Wioskowski. There are also 3 great-granddaughters: Maeve and Eleanor Weaver and Charlotte Orr. Fred is also survived by 2 brothers: Thomas (husband of Diane) and Robert. A sister, Sylvia Gutshall died in 2022.

Fred retired July 1989 from the Lancaster City Police Department after 25 years of service. His career encompassed both heroic and life risking actions as well as numerous marksmanship trophies and awards. At retirement, Fred completed his Education Degree at Millersville University and worked several years as a substitute teacher. He also tutored adults with special needs for their GED and managed the psychology practice of his wife, Janice.

Always active, Fred sang tenor with the Lancaster Opera Company in the ‘80s and ‘90s, operated a 24-hour laundromat in Millersville, and worked as maintenance director at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His many hobbies and interests include: art painting, wooden clock building, home carpentry, large train layouts, reading and working crossword puzzles.

A lifelong Catholic, Fred was an altar server at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and a member of the choir of every church of which he was a member. Most recently, he was a member of St. Joseph’s and St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Churches.

Family will receive friends at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 from 7 – 9 pm with a Rosary to begin approximately at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St., Lancaster, PA 17603 with a viewing time one hour prior. Burial will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.